This question was popular among the candidates. Many who attempted the question gave correct answers but few could not define classification of living things except as a means of identification. Few candidates correctly defined it as grouping of living things based on their genetics/structural similarities.

In question 1(b), some candidates were only listing the beneficial importance of fungi but were able to state the economic importance of plants to their habitat.

Many candidates who attempted to list the Phyla of Kingdom Animalia with correct examples gave wrong spellings which led to loss of marks. Some candidates also gave wrong examples for the classes mentioned.

The expected answers are as follows: 

(a)   Classification of living things
is the grouping/arrangement of organisms; with similar characteristics based on structural/genetic/cellular/evolutionary trends; for easy identification.        

(b) Ways by which the groups of organisms are of economic importance in their habitats

(i) Fungi

• cause various plants/animal diseases;
• act as decomposers;
• recycle nutrients;
• bring about fermentation in breweries;
• used in baking industries;
• serve as sources of food;
• are used in pharmaceutical industries/production of antibiotics/vitamins;
• destroy various substances/cloth/paper/wood/food

                                                                                                                                   
(ii)   Plants         

• are involved in nutrient recycling;
• purify the environment/reduce greenhouse effects;
• provide shade/shelter;
• provide food;
• provide oxygen;
• prevent erosion;
• are sources of timber for building/construction;
• provide materials for pharmaceuticals/production of drugs.

                                                                                                                                   
(c)  Table of major phyla of the kingdom Animalia and examples